Rental Operations

Hyundai, WaiveCar to Provide Free Electric Carsharing Rides

November 18, 2016
• by Staff

Hyundai's new IONIQ electric compact vehicle will be available through WaiveCar's electric carsharing service. Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai Motor and WaiveCar, an all-electric carsharing service that runs on advertising dollars, have announced a partnership that will expose consumers to the all-new Hyundai IONIQ electric sedan for free.

The partnership gives consumers the ability to drive IONIQ EVs for two hours at no charge, according to Hyundai. In exchange, the vehicle is wrapped in advertising and includes a roof mounted digital display, which generates the advertising revenue that WaiveCar uses to offset costs.

"WaiveCar presents some great solutions for us," said Mark Dipko, director of corporate planning and strategy at Hyundai Motor America. "The IONIQ offers emissions-free transportation to on-the-go Angelenos. This partnership allows us to reach potential customers and give them the opportunity to test drive our outstanding IONIQ electric while generating awareness for the IONIQ brand at the same time."

The program, which will launch in early 2017, is Hyundai's first large-scale involvement in carsharing. Customers can simply download WaiveCar's app, find an IONIQ near them, book it, and start driving — no cards or keys necessary. WaiveCar then unlocks the door for consumers remotely, where they can find the keys inside. Insurance is also part of the deal.

Users can drive an IONIQ for free for two hours at a time. They can continue to drive for $5.99 an hour or return the car at any designated spot for the next user to pick up, according to Hyundai.

WaiveCar plans to add 150 IONIQs, which will be deployed throughout Los Angeles in the first half of 2017. WaiveCar plans to launch in three additional cities by the end of 2017 — using 250 more IONIQs.

"We are extremely excited to be working together with Hyundai," said Zoli Honig, WaiveCar's CTO and co-founder. "Providing low cost, eco-friendly transportation alternatives to consumers is our core mission and offering the IONIQ will accelerate that goal. We believe this partnership will be tremendously beneficial for Hyundai, WaiveCar, our customers, and the environment."

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